September 14, 2023 (MLN): Pakistan had to spend nearly $2 billion on the import of approximately 5 million bales of cotton in the previous year as the cotton production fell significantly below the textile industry requirement of 15m bales with a production of less than 5m bales.
This was still not enough to keep the industry fully functional.
These $2bn were spent at a time when the country was in extreme forex constraints.
Responding to this crisis, the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) partnered with the Punjab Government to launch a comprehensive campaign aimed at reviving cotton production through a range of strategies, as per a press release issued by APTMA.
APTMA has taken immediate action to support emergency spray operations in collaboration with the Government of Punjab.
The provided funds have been allocated for the distribution and application of MATOI, an exceptionally effective pesticide specifically designed to combat whiteflies.
This Initiative aims to curtail the further outbreak of white pests and salvage cotton crops in the affected districts.
The collaborative efforts included the announcement of a minimum support price, extensive sowing awareness campaigns, advisory services to cotton growers through APTMA experts, and ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
These combined Initiatives led to a remarkable 23% increase in cotton sowing, rising from 5.12 million acres to 6.6 million acres. The projected cotton production for this season now stands baring any emergency adverse situation at an extraordinary 12 million bales, representing a staggering 150% increase compared to the previous year.
However, the recent severe whitefly infestation in the core cotton-producing areas has threatened to undermine these achievements and cause substantial losses in cotton production. The whitely infestation has led to the blackening of cotton crops, leaving local farmers in dire straits.
Despite diligent efforts in conducting spray operations, traditional pesticides have proven ineffective against the resilient whitely infestations.
In response, APTMA has taken immediate action to support emergency spray operations in collaboration with the Government of Punjab.
The provided funds have been allocated for the distribution and application of MATOL an exceptionally effective pesticide specifically designed to combat whiteflies.
This initiative aims to curtail the further outbreak of whitely pests and salvage cotton crops in the affected districts.
To expedite the spray operations, drones have been deployed on an emergency basis by the Pakistan Army, under the supervision of the Punjab Agriculture Department and APTMA experts.
These measures underscore APTMA's commitment to providing immediate relief and protecting the livelihoods of cotton groves in Punjab.
Currently, the distribution of pesticides has been carried out in the following districts, along with the respective quantities: Rajanpur – 2,500 units, D.G. Khan – 1,100 units, Muzaffargarh – 1,400 units, Bahawalnagar – 3,000 units, Rahim Yar Khan – 2,000 units, Sahawalpur – 2,000 units, and Multan – 500 units.
These allocations have been meticulously calculated to ensure that the affected areas receive the necessary support to effectively combat the whitefly infestation.
APTMA remains dedicated to supporting the cotton industry and ensuring the prosperity of °anon growers in Pakistan. This donation is a testament to APTMA's unwavering commitment to the welfare of the agricultural community and the preservation of the cotton sector in the country
Copyright Mettis Link News
Posted on: 2023-09-14T14:35:31+05:00
